Serbia vs England Player Ratings as Jude Bellingham Scores His First Euro Goal
England started their Euro 2024 campaign with a 1-0 win against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen with Jude Bellingham’s goal in the 13th minute being enough for the victory. Despite the early lead Gareth Southgate’s team found it challenging to extend their advantage and made the game more difficult than expected.
Throughout the match, England struggled to create more scoring opportunities and Harry Kane was quieter than usual but came close to adding one for his team when he struck the bar late in the game. Serbia also had a significant chance to equalize but Jordan Pickford made a crucial save to deny Dusan Vlahovic and secure the win for England.
Marc Guehi and Declan Rice were key performers in helping England maintain their lead and control the game. This win puts England at the top of Group C giving them a strong start in the tournament despite the challenges they faced during the match.
England National Football Team Player Rating vs Serbia
Goalkeeper:
Jordan Pickford (GK) – 7: Pickford had a relatively quiet game until the final ten minutes when he made a crucial save to deny Dusan Vlahovic showing excellent concentration. His distribution was aimed well and he secured his tenth clean sheet at a major tournament.
Defenders:
Kyle Walker (RB) – 8: Walker was excellent both in defense and attack. He managed early Serbian counter-attacks and provided a crucial pass to Bukayo Saka for Bellingham’s goal. His pace almost led to a second goal highlighting his importance to the team.
John Stones (CB) – 7: Stones dispelled any doubts about his readiness by effectively neutralizing an early Serbian threat. Although he showed some signs of tiredness he made a key defensive header late in the game to maintain England’s lead.
Marc Guehi (CB) – 8: Guehi was calm and composed in possession with his first misplaced pass coming after the hour mark. His ability to win the ball back in dangerous areas was vital showing a presence reminiscent of Harry Maguire.
Kieran Trippier (LB) – 7: Trippier provided width on the left and was reliable in defense. Despite limited recent game time he put in a solid performance and was effective when needed.
Midfielders:
Declan Rice (CM) – 9: Rice delivered a faultless display balancing creativity with solid defense. He made numerous crucial ball recoveries showing his growth as a big-game player.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (CM) – 8: Alexander-Arnold was dynamic taking shots from midfield and intercepting smartly to create opportunities. Though he made one mistake his overall performance was very encouraging.
Jude Bellingham (CM) – 9: Bellingham was the standout player scoring the winning goal and dominating duels. His all-round display and aggressive attitude were impressive making him the star of the match.
Forwards:
Bukayo Saka (RW) – 8: Saka was relentless taking on defenders and forcing Serbia’s Filip Kostic off due to exhaustion. He provided the assist for Bellingham’s goal but was a constant threat.
Harry Kane (CF)– 7: Kane had a quiet first half but improved in the second helping to bring the team forward. Although he didn’t score, he tested Serbia’s defense and came close with a shot that hit the bar.
Phil Foden (LW) – 7: Foden was involved but didn’t make a significant impact. He contributed defensively but his role in the team remains a bit unclear.
Substitutes:
Conor Gallagher (for Alexander-Arnold, 69) – 6: Gallagher brought energy when England needed it, but his performance was mixed with some lost balls and heavy touches.
Jarrod Bowen (for Saka, 76) – 7: Bowen surprised many with his performance, creating a chance for Kane and showing why Southgate trusted him.
Kobbie Mainoo (for Bellingham, 86) – (n/a): Mainoo wasn’t on long enough for a rating, but his inclusion in the final minutes was a notable moment for the young player.
Manager rating 7- Good performance from his team. However, given England’s quality in attack, more is expected from his side.
Also Read: Slovenia vs Denmark Player Ratings as Christian Eriksen Scores Stunning Goal
Serbia National Football Team Player Rating vs England
Goalkeeper:
Predrag Rajkovic (GK) – 7 Rajkovic couldn’t do much about England’s goal but made a stunning save to deny Kane later in the match.
Defenders:
Milos Veljkovic (RCB) – 6 Veljkovic had a quiet night, stepping forward occasionally due to England’s left-sided issues.
Nikola Milenkovic (CB) – 6 Milenkovic struggled with Bellingham’s run that led to the goal and had a hard time coping overall.
Strahinja Pavlovic (LCB) – 6 Pavlovic initially struggled against Saka but improved after halftime, putting in a decent display.
Andrija Zivkovic (RWB) – 6 Zivkovic was active, delivering good crosses, but England’s defense kept a close watch on him.
Midfielders:
Nemanja Gudelj (CM) – 4 Gudelj had a tough evening, summed up by injuring himself while fouling Bellingham. He was booked and substituted at halftime.
Sasa Lukic (CM) – 5 Lukic often resorted to fouling Bellingham and was substituted in the second half.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (CM) – 6 Milinkovic-Savic caused some problems when he moved forward in the second half, showing his clever play.
Forwards:
Filip Kostic (LWB) – 5 Kostic was frequently caught high up the pitch, leaving Saka free. He was forced off early due to injury.
Dusan Vlahovic (AM) – 6 Vlahovic had little impact for long spells but created a dangerous moment and almost equalized.
Aleksandar Mitrovic (CF) – 5 Mitrovic missed Serbia’s best chance and was generally ineffective, despite appealing for a penalty.
Substitutes:
Filip Mladenovic (for Kostic, 43) – 7 Mladenovic worried England with his runs down the left, adding some threat to Serbia’s attack.
Ivan Ilic (for Gudelj, HT) – 7 Ilic helped Serbia take more control of the game in the second half.
Dusan Tadic (for Mitrovic, 61) – 7 Tadic’s introduction was cheered, and he made a positive difference on the pitch.
Luka Jovic (for Lukic, 61) – 6 Jovic was brought on as Serbia chased an equalizer but didn’t have a significant impact.
Veljko Birmancevic (for Zivkovic, 74) – 6 Birmancevic had little time to make an impact but contributed to Serbia’s efforts.
Manager rating 6 – His team gave a good fight to England but unfortunately couldn’t secure a point for his team